Yeung at heart

Dispatch from the Carson Yeung press conference, October 15, 2009. St Andrew's, 2pm

He arrived at St Andrew's on a drizzly, grey Birmingham afternoon.

Umbrellas were at the ready for Carson Yeung at the St Andrew's Kop reception.

But you sensed even if a blizzard had been howling, Yeung wouldn't have been bothered.

He brought the weather with him; his sunny disposition wavered not once throughout the official launch of the new Blues era.

His grin stayed wide, he was excitable and, interestingly, what struck this observer was the aura and magnetism about him.

Two years ago when Yeung sat at the St Andrew's top table following his £15 million purchase of 29.9 per cent of the club, with a view to a full buy out, he was much more uncomfortable, introverted even.

Back then he spoke in broken English and the message he and his group tried to get across was lost, and confused.

Yesterday, as he waltzed into the club, it was like a presidential arrival.

Staff lined up to meet him in a crammed foyer and he vigorously pressed the flesh.

His demeanour - the flashing smile, tanned complexion, neatly tailored pin-stripe suit, salmon pink tie and matching pocket square - marked him down as a man of means, of success. And now one of obvious confidence.

Yeung moved jauntily on up the stairs to International Suite where the media were waiting.

He sat centre stage this time, flanked by his team, Blues new board.

After the introductions were made to applause (Yeung started the clapping), the Hong Kong tycoon whipped out a piece of paper and gave an opening address in firm English.

He said: "Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, I would like to thank you all for coming here today.

"I want to tell you all I am so happy to be here. It has taken a long time to buy the club but, finally . . . I got it!"

"Yes!" exalted Peter Pannu, Blues executive and financial whizz, to Yeung's left. The former Triad-buster in the Hong Kong Police became cheerleader-in-chief in what was a short but lively press conference. Such a contrast to last time.

Then, in probably what was one of the most jaw-dropping acts here since Ken Wheldon brought an AGM to a close seconds after opening it to deny any questions, Yeung quite happily revealed spending plans.

Journalists were expecting Yeung to provide the usual stock, evasive answer to the question what kind of finance would be available to the manager. Oh no, we were wrong.

"My first plan is to support with about £20 million to £40 million."

Stunned silence.

Sorry, Specifically for player transfers and wages, someone asked.

"Ah, yes. Exactly."

'In January, £20 million to £40 million. In January?'

"Yes. £20 million to £40 million. Exactly."

Had he been there and not taking afternoon training, Alex McLeish would probably have whooped, or maybe rolled his eyes and slapped his own forehead.

Don't worry about him giving the game, away, Eck. This was now Yeung's club, £81.5 million worth. His baby. He was in the limelight, having fun, bouncing along.

There was a humorous moment when Yeung was asked whether McLeish's job was safe for the foreseeable future.

"Mmmm . . . not at the moment."

Stunned silence again. Then whispers, into Yeung's ear from Pannu, who had been explaining some queries in Mandarin.

Pannu: "It's my mistake, sorry I mistranslated!"

Yeung: "No, no, sorry, I please say again. I will support him. Yes."

Chairman Vico Hui chipped in: "Alex is part of us. Together."

Pannu, looking sheepish: "I will take the blame for this."

With his background, I doubt if anyone was going to tut tut at him.

Yeung went on to say that he would be in England three or four times a month and try to get to every St Andrew's match.

Birmingham was a "wonderful city . . . my second home now".

He swerved a question about hoping to make Blues bigger than Villa - "we are competition" - and at the end of the conference, brought the top table team together to lay their hands on top of one another's, in a Three Musketeers style of bonding.

The photographers loved it and scrambled forward and Yeung then made an off the cuff remark.

"Finally, thanks all for coming, to be our friends. We are friends together - forever. Thank you."

There was more applause and then Yeung and his group were off to do a series of individual interviews to expand on his delight and Blues vision . . . and another £40 million towards the transfer kitty.